§ MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what authority the police have taken proceedings against several tradesmen in Station Road, Forest Gate, for placing stalls outside their premises, they having first obtained the quiescent approval of the West Ham Borough Council; and, as the road is suited for stalls and they would be a great advantage to the surrounding neighbourhood, 870 will he give instructions for the summons, which is returnable for the 17th, to be withdrawn.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. GLADSTONE,) Leeds, W.Seven persons have been summoned under the Highways Act for obstructing this narrow roadway with their stalls, two of them being tradesmen, and the remaining five costermongers from a distance. I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that stalls cannot stand in the Station Road without causing obstruction and annoyance; and it is not the case that the West Ham Borough Council have given any approval. The proceedings have been adjourned for a fortnight, in order that counsel may be instructed for the defence.